East Suffolk Council
Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)
| HMO licence application form |
| HMO licence renewal application form |
Attention all landlords – do you own or manage a shared house?
The law relating to shared houses or houses in multiple occupation has changed. From 1 October 2018, landlords of most Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that house five or more people and not a single household need an HMO licence. A landlord who failed to apply for a licence by that date will be committing a criminal offence.
What has changed?
- All HMOs with five or more people living in two or more households, regardless of the number of storeys in the property, need to be licensed. This includes any flat which contains five or more people living in two or more households where the flat has not been purpose-built to multiple occupant standards and flats above or below commercial premises.
- All licensable HMOs have a national minimum room size for each bedroom
What happens if I already have a licence from my local council?
Properties already licensed with the local council will be “passported” into the new mandatory licensing and will not need to take further action.
How do I apply for a licence?
You need to complete an application form and return it to us with the fee and the required certificates (detailed on the application form). Fees are updated every year, and can be found in our Fees and Charges document under the Housing Services heading.
If you are unsure of whether your property needs a licence please contact us.
What is a House in Multiple Occupation?
A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property which is occupied by a number of people that are not living together as a family unit. This could include student accommodation or a shared house or lodging arrangement. It can also include more established properties including bedsits, properties with shared bathrooms and kitchens, etc.
This type of accommodation is classed a ‘higher risk’ that an average family home due to the types of living arrangements. Larger HMOs require a licence to control issues such as fire risk, anti-social behaviour and overcrowding.
Do I need planning permission?
If you are thinking about converting your premises to an HMO, whether large or small, you first need to consult our Planning Team who will advise whether you will also need to change the use of the property.
Do I need building regulation approval?
If you are thinking about converting your premises to an HMO, whether large or small you first need to consult the Building Control team who will advise whether you will also need to change the use of the property.